For years, the older brother of Edward McMichael tried to get him to join an orchestra.

But McMichael, known to thousands as Tuba Man, didn't want to leave Seattle, where he became an icon with his wild hats and bucket of change outside sports events.

Standing Wednesday night on a Qwest Field Event Center stage, extending a thumbs-up to the brother who police say died at the hand of street thugs, McMichael's brother understood how much the Tuba Man meant to Seattle.

As Kelsey McMichael finished his eulogy, the 1,500 people at McMichael's memorial stood up. Some were sobbing. They reached out and made a thumbs-up, as the Tuba Man did for decades.

And the people smiled.

"This city, this world," said KOMO commentator Ken Schram, "was a lot better place with Ed McMichael in it."

A native of the Seattle area, McMichael played in the Bellevue Philharmonic and the Cascade Symphony before taking his tuba -- and a hard hat or wild Dr. Seuss cap -- to the Kingdome in the 1980s.

Mike Anderson, who wore an elf's cap Wednesday and was among many wearing bright hats in tribute, remembered McMichael as the guy who always knew his name and would play "The Flintstones" theme -- one of his favorites -- whenever he'd approach.

To Callie Zuber and two other servers at Safeco's Hit It Here Cafe, he was the sweet man who said hello, wearing a Cat in the Hat cap. They became friends, and though they didn't hang out often, McMichael held a special place in her heart -- as he did with many who shed tears Wednesday.

Louise Hohbach knew him better than some, working the door at KeyArena and the University of Washington for years, and letting him in the east doors knowing what a sports fan he was. About a half-hour before the games concluded, she'd see him walk back out, set up on the sidewalk and blow a standard, such as "Iron Man" or "Tequila."

The familiar tones of his tuba were sometimes the only bright spot after a tough Seattle sports loss.

Neither can Seahawks Chief Executive Tod Leiweke, who said the 12th man flag signed for Tuba Man at his memorial will be flown inside Qwest Field. Mariners President Chuck Armstrong, one of several speakers on the stage next to a brass ensemble gathered in tribute, fought tears while he read his son's tribute to McMichael.

Tuba Man reminded us all why we are fans in the first place, Armstrong said. And with his death, the city lost something special.

King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg felt that. For years he saw McMichael playing outside sports games -- Mariners, Seahawks, Thunderbirds, Storm, Sonics -- or near the Seattle Center Opera House, now McCaw Hall.

"I really feel his loss like everybody else does," Satterberg said. "People have a right to feel sad and angry."

McMichael died in his Seattle home Nov. 3, more than a week after he and two other teens were attacked by a group of youths the night of Oct. 25.

Before McMichael's death, prosecutors filed robbery and fourth-degree assault charges against two 15-year-old Seattle boys accused of attacking McMichael and robbing two other men at a bus stop in the 300 block of Fifth Avenue North.

On Monday, prosecutors filed robbery charges against the third boy, also a 15-year-old Seattle resident, who was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder.

Satterberg said prosecutors continue to review the case. A decision regarding murder charges is expected at a later date, while police still search for two other youths in connection with McMichael's death.

Many people said they want a statue or plaque, something permanent in a spot where McMichael brought joy to so many others. Rick "The Peanut Man" Kaminski said he hopes in McMichael's honor that city leaders establish an intervention or outreach program for at-risk youth -- something that may prevent future attacks.

"I think Ed is looking down, and he's probably having the thrill of his life," Kaminski said. "I'm sure he was happy he was loved so much, and that's the key: love."